Anyone who has seen the TV programs where a chopper is built in weeks or even days might be surprised to learn that this Shovel chopper took 15 years to reach its final form.

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Shovel Chopper
The Shovel chopper took 15 years to build.
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Beginning life as a 1974 Harley-Davidson FXE, the owner began modifying the bike to meet his own personal tastes. Eventually, even the frame was replaced with a catalog item.

Once the chassis was set up, the next step was to bump the output of the Shovelhead V-twin. Displacement was increased from 74 to 98 cubic inches, and that, along with other modifications, increased output significantly. A wider 180-series rear tire was wedged into place to put the power to the street.

To give the chopper a distinctive look, Dragon's formed a custom fuel tank to match the frame's angular design. A hand-formed exhaust system was another step in what became a long creative process, but sometimes it takes a while to get things just the way you want them.

Shovel Chopper Specifications
  • Year: 1974
  • Class: Old School
  • Owner: Greg Ponto
  • Builder: Dragon's
  • Model: Shovel
  • Frame: Mid-USA, 3 up, 1 out
  • Forks: Harley-Davidson, telescopic, 4 inches over
  • Rake: Stock
  • Rear susp.: Hardtail
  • Front wheel: Spoke, 21-inch
  • Front brake: Disc
  • Rear wheel: Spoke, 16-inch
  • Rear brake: Disc
  • Rear tire: 180 mm
  • Engine: 98-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson
  • Exhaust: Dragon's
  • Trans.: Harley-Davidson, 4-speed
  • Paint by: Helicopter Eddie

Go to the next page for more photos and details of this Harley-Davidson-powered chopper, Shovel.

For more information on custom choppers and motorcycles, see: